Over the next two weeks, in a series called #GOVote, we will explore the many reasons BikeWalkKC endorses KCMO Questions 1, 2, 3 on the April 4th ballot. Follow along as we detail the myriad benefits these measures bring to walking and biking in KCMO.
Just like sidewalks, passage of GO Bond Question 1 would be a long-awaited shot in the arm for “complete streets.” GO Bond Question 1 establishes a $450m fund to upgrade dozens of existing streets to become complete streets.
But wait, what’s a complete street?
The National Complete Streets Coalition provides a great definition:
Complete Streets are streets for everyone. They are designed and operated to enable safe access for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities. Complete Streets make it easy to cross the street, walk to shops, and bicycle to work. They allow buses to run on time and make it safe for people to walk to and from train stations.
Okay, so how does the GO Bond build complete streets?
At the same time City Council established the bond ballot language, they also adopted a companion resolution that adds some specificity to how the money will be spent. In doing so, KCMO committed to focusing primarily on complete street upgrades to existing streets. The resolution went as far including a project list of all the streets slated for improvement.
Read the full text of the resolution here:
KCMO_Legislation_160951A critical need in the GO Bond is finding a balance between flexibility and specificity of the project list. Since this is a twenty-year program, City Hall needs flexibility to ensure it can meet the unanticipated needs that will come up long after election, while voters want enough details to feel they know what they are voting on (“Will MY street or sidewalk be fixed?”). Striking this balance is exactly what the companion resolution accomplishes. The GO Bond ballot language remains fairly generic (since it can never change once approved by voters); meanwhile, the companion resolution (which can change over the twenty-year bond) establishes the specificity.
But most importantly, any project going forward will need to comply with the City’s transportation policies and plans even if adopted after voter approval of the bond.
Next up in our #GOVote series, we will take a closer look at the project list and how a “YES” vote is a vote for bike lanes.
Now it is time for you to do your part and vote “YES” for Questions 1, 2, 3 on April 4th.
Visit http://bikewalkkc.org/vote123 to learn more about the April 4th election and the details about how it will improve walking and biking.
Get Involved and Learn More
Join us as a supporter of the Healthy, Sustainable Neighborhoods Coalition
Sidewalks Town Hall with BikeWalkKC on March 23rd
Volunteer for voter postcard writing on March 27th
Neighborhood Meetings
Visit http://bikewalkkc.org/vote123 to find an upcoming local meeting in your own neighborhood.
We need your support to keep fighting for better walking and biking
BikeWalkKC’s advocacy work relies on the support of our members and individual donors. Please make a donation today. Investing in BikeWalkKC will help us get voters to the polls on April 4th to support investing in a better quality of life for all of Kansas City.